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Books to Crow About: Probable Caws and A Tangled Magic

4 Aug

Looking for some great new fiction? Check out these two just hatched novels!

Probable Caws
by Donna Andrews

Donna Andrew’s Meg Langslow Mysteries are my favorite cozy mysteries. In Probable Caws, Meg is helping care for formerly neglected and abused horses from an equine rescue group that have been temporarily moved to her friend, Ragnar’s property. Several other reoccurring characters including her twin sons, her animal expert grandfather, and the empathic Rose Noire also help out. I find Andrews quirky cast of characters are always a highlight of her story for me. Each of the novels features a focus on a different bird species, in this case a flock of clever crows (often fittingly for a mystery called a murder). Of course an actual murder also occurs that Meg tries to help the local police officers solve. The conclusion was not as plausible as some of her other entries in the series, but the story was overall a fun and heartwarming one which both animal lovers and cozy fans will highly enjoy.

A Tangled Magic
by Andrea Eames

Andrea Eames, author of A Harvest of Hearts, which I previously blogged about has created another unique and compelling fantasy. A Tangled Magic takes the traditional Rapunzel story and transforms it into a dramatic quest for its heroine to find her missing family, lost memories, and her own inner strength and powers. I loved Baldbeak, her raven sidekick, and that the novel is populated with many intriguing characters. This reminded me of works I have enjoyed by Tanith Lee and T Kingfisher, who are masters of dark fairytale reinvisionings. The story is filled with many twists that will keep you turning the pages. This novel is especially recommended for fans of high fantasy, fairytale reimaginings, found families, and works with complex and sometimes morally grey characters.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

Sweet Reads: Yes, Chef and Murder at First Slice

21 Jul

Yes, Chef
by Grace Reilly

Yes, Chef is the new novel by Grace Reilly author of the Beyond the Play Series. In this story a social media influencer falls for the handsome chef her father just fired. The two of them work to launch a new restaurant in Florida. Both have ADHD, which leads them to bond over the struggles they experienced growing up in neurotypical world. The book is inhabited by a diverse group of characters representing a variety of sexual orientations and ethnic backgrounds. Yes, Chef will appeal to those fond of grumpy/sunshine romances and who enjoy foodie fiction. Chapters alternate between the two main characters giving insight into both their experiences falling for each other. Beyond the romance there are also strong stories about the complexity of biological and found family relationships. Interested in more culinary romances? Check out T.J. Alexander’s Chef’s Kiss and Casey McQuiston’s The Pairing.

Murder at First Slice
by Valerie Burns

Murder at First Slice is the latest charming entry in Valerie Burns cozy A Baker Street Mystery series about Maddy Montgomery a content creator who inherited her grandmother’s bakery (and her giant pet dog). In this serving Maddy is preparing for her wedding and dealing with the feud between her future grandmother-in-law, Hannah, and Hannah’s cousin, Dorothy. When Dorothy is murdered, it is up to Maddy to exonerate Hannah before she walks down the aisle. I always appreciate a mystery series that allows it’s protagonist to develop their relationships and life making it rewarding to enjoy the overall story arc, but the mystery will appeal to those who have not read the previous entries as well. If you enjoy this series, you may also enjoy Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series and Mia P. Manansala’s Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery Series.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager